Association Academy by Ricochet.
8 live classes · 8 CAE credits

Association Membership Growth Certificate Course

Spring 2027: Thursdays, March 18 to May 6 (Class 6 on Wed., April 21), 1-2 p.m. ETFall 2027: Thursdays, Aug. 19 to Oct. 7, 1-2 p.m. ET
Four smiling association professionals in front of starbursts and rising arrows.
Next class
starts soon
150DAYS
:
16HRS
:
20MINS
:
00SECS
Curriculum

What will I learn?

This live certificate course explores the connected strategies and systems that grow association membership: relevant benefit offerings, content that attracts and keeps members, dues and renewal practices, and recruitment and retention campaigns.

Classes include practical reviews of typical membership collateral and encourage discussion among the instructor and students. You earn one CAE credit for each live class you attend, up to 8 CAE credits.

Cover of the Association Membership Growth Course Guide.
Enroll now

What’s included?

  • 8 CAE credits
  • Printable certificate
  • Private LinkedIn group
  • Course sponsor discounts
8 classes

When do the live classes meet?

Each class meets live online, with the recording posted the same day.

  • Class 1 icon: The Membership Growth Mindset.

    The Membership Growth Mindset

    Understand how membership has evolved and where growth really comes from.

  • Class 2 icon: Member Research and Profile Data.

    Member Research and Profile Data

    Learn what members need and keep the member record accurate.

  • Class 3 icon: Member Types and Personas.

    Member Types and Personas

    Define who can join and design around the people you serve.

  • Class 4 icon: Member Benefits and Content Strategy.

    Member Benefits and Content Strategy

    Document your full benefit suite and use content to earn and keep members.

  • Class 5 icon: Dues, Discounts, and Renewal.

    Dues, Discounts, and Renewal

    Set the right rates and build a renewal cycle that collects.

  • Class 6 icon: The 5 Core Membership Campaigns.

    The 5 Core Membership Campaigns

    Build the campaigns that recruit, renew, and win back members.

  • Class 7 icon: Member Experience Systems.

    Member Experience Systems

    Use your AMS and AI to deliver a better member experience with less work.

  • Class 8 icon: Membership Analytics and Your Growth Plan.

    Membership Analytics and Your Growth Plan

    Turn data into decisions and leave with a plan for your association.

Audience

Who is this course for?

For staff ready to reverse flat membership and win new member segments.

Enroll now
  • Audience graphic for membership leaders.

    Membership leaders

    Membership staff responsible for a strong membership strategy and for recruiting and renewing members.

  • Audience graphic for marketing leaders.

    Marketing leaders

    Marketing staff who build campaigns with relevant benefits to attract and retain members.

  • Audience graphic for technology leaders.

    Technology leaders

    Technology staff who align the AMS, the wider tech stack and the future roadmap with membership strategy.

Instructor

Who teaches this course?

LinkedIn

Chris Gloede, MBA, CAE

Chief Consultant, Ricochet

Chris Gloede is the Chief Consultant for Ricochet and a proven leader in association transformation.

He was the first Chief Marketing Officer of the American Bar Association, where he was accountable for over $60 million in annual membership dues revenue. He drove the organization to the highest membership count in its 137-year history by leading member research, benefit evolution and pricing strategy.

Chris now helps associations transform their membership and engagement models through strategic insight and flawless execution.

Chris previously led teams at global advertising agencies Ogilvy & Mather and Leo Burnett.

He is a Certified Association Executive (CAE) and earned his MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

Enroll now. Spots are limited.

Only $749
Spring 2027Thursdays, March 18 to May 6 (Class 6 on Wed., April 21), 1-2 p.m. ETStarts in
Fall 2027Thursdays, Aug. 19 to Oct. 7, 1-2 p.m. ETStarts in
Questions

Questions about Membership Growth

How many credits does the Association Membership Growth Certificate Course earn?

You earn one CAE credit for each live class you attend, up to 8 CAE credits. The course has eight live classes, each focused on part of association membership growth, including member research, benefits and content, dues and renewal, campaigns, systems, and analytics. Credit is tied to attending live.

When do the live classes meet?

Spring 2027 classes meet Thursdays, March 18 to May 6, with Class 6 on Wednesday, April 21; Fall 2027 classes meet Thursdays, Aug. 19 to Oct. 7. Every class meets live online from 1 to 2 p.m. ET. The course includes eight live classes, and recordings are posted the same day.

What if I miss a live class?

Every class is recorded, and the recording is posted the same day. Credit is earned for each live class you attend, so watching a recording does not count as live attendance for credit. The course has eight live classes, with each class meeting online.

How much does the Association Membership Growth Certificate Course cost?

The course is $749. The 2027 All Access Pass costs $1,499 and includes every Association Academy course in 2027, in either semester. The course is offered in Spring 2027 and Fall 2027, and you can choose the individual course or the pass that covers all Academy courses.

Who teaches the course?

Chris Gloede, MBA, CAE, Chief Consultant at Ricochet, teaches the course. He was the first Chief Marketing Officer of the American Bar Association and led the organization to the highest membership count in its history. His course covers strategies and systems for association membership growth.

Who should take this course?

Membership, marketing and technology staff ready to reverse flat membership and win new member segments should take this course. It is designed for staff responsible for membership strategy, recruiting and renewing members, developing campaigns around relevant benefits, or aligning technology with membership strategy.